“About 15 years ago, as I was winding down my psychotherapy practice, I went to a concert at my town's middle school. Many of the musicians were adults learning a new instrument, so did I dare join? The conductor, Diane Muffitt, assured all of us in the audience that anyone can learn to play and enjoy playing in a band.

I picked saxophone - and I struggled mightily with it. I was committed to not quitting, so there I was. Diane believed you had to ‘do your best,’ and that became my motto. I learned to tolerate the frustration that is part of the learning process. I understood how important it was to be on time (Diane: ‘If you're on time you're late,’ because there's assembling your instrument taking your seat and warming up). I could barely believe the change in myself!!

There was much more to me than I knew, if I was willing to work hard and believe in myself. Thank you, Diane!”

- Francine Sasso